It seemed like a big deal—the Miami Dolphins signed Mario Williams over the offseason to put him on the same line as Ndamukong Suh.
No dice.
Williams has been ineffective at best, totaling seven tackles and a sack through five games and helping the team to a 1-4 record. Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph wasn’t shy about calling out the former star defensive end Thursday, per ESPN’s James Walker:
He’s got to play harder; he’s got to play better. Obviously, he’s being allowed to rush the passer. But the games we’ve been in, it’s been more run-first, pass-second games. So for us to be a great rushing team, we have to earn the right. … If they want to rush more, stop the run more consistently.
Twitter didn’t seem too surprised about the news after effort level was one of the reasons Williams didn’t work out well with the Buffalo Bills:
Re: Mario Williams – if he had a "high motor," he'd be one of best overall DEs ever. Enormous, freak athlete. Just doesn't have that desire.
— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) October 13, 2016
Mario Williams being challenged to play better for Dolphins. Anyone surprised? Anyone? https://t.co/t7OUr6sp4j
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) October 13, 2016
Adam Gase says Mario Williams has been inconsistent this year. "Up and down."
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) October 12, 2016
Yikes.
Williams still has time to turn it around. The Dolphins might not, but he’s 31 years old and it’s getting to the point where NFL teams will need to see effort from him or he won’t last much longer. A shame, really, given what a dominant force the former No. 1 overall pick was during his stint with the Houston Texans.
